System and method for gaming with an engagable projectile

ABSTRACT

A gaming system and method for engagable projectiles and targets. The game comprises a novel sport called Acroball™ wherein players may attempt to obtain objectives (e.g., score points) by throwing a projectile at other players or targets. The projectiles include a material comprising many closely knit hooks that may be attachable to a reciprocal material comprising latches. Using such a hook and latch combination, the various projectiles may be thrown or maneuvered to attach to opponents of targets according to the objectives of the underlying game.

BACKGROUND

Games and sports rely on the ability of players and a reliance on a set of rules governing how the particular game or sport is played. Various sports have gained wide popularity both for participants and spectators. Further, sports equipment, sports memorabilia, and sports accessories drive a thriving sporting and gaming market.

In conventional gaming systems and rules, any projectile used, such as a ball in the case or football, basketball, soccer, etc. may be used during the pace of play. However, all of these different projectiles (balls) across the different sports are similar in that the projectile itself does not have any additional means by which the projectile may attach to another object. That is, a typical player in these games must grasp the ball in play and apply pressure with the player's hands, arms or body to secure the ball when it may be engaged with a person. This typically plays into the actual rules of a respective game as the object of typical sports, such as football, basketball, and soccer is to maneuver the ball through physical exertion toward a goal or target.

Differently, specific games in which an object or strategy may be to avoid the projectile/ball, it becomes difficult to definitively determine whether or not an individual in a specific contest has or has not successfully avoided contact with the projectile/ball. This is because conventional projectile/balls and conventional goals and/or apparel worn by the players do not provide any means by which a projectile/ball may engage with the goal/apparel. Thus, various glancing shots in a game of Dodge Ball and the like are difficult to definitely determine if a player has or has not been struck by the ball/projectile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an arrangement of players during game play according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIGS. 2-9 show views of various game projectiles according to various embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIGS. 10-13 show views of different game apparel according to various embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIGS. 14-20 show views of different game equipment according to various embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter disclosed herein. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those detailed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggested herein.

FIG. 1 and the following description provide a general overview of a novel sport called Acroball™ wherein players may attempt to obtain objectives of the sport (e.g., score points) by throwing a projectile at other players or targets. The projectile may also be referred to as an Acroball™ and may typically include a nylon material comprising many closely knit hooks that may attachable to a reciprocal nylon material comprising latches. Such a nylon hook and latch combination is often called Velcro™ as is commonly known under such a branded name. In this manner, the various projectiles may be thrown or maneuvered to attach to opponents of targets according to the objectives of the underlying game. As such, the following paragraphs describe various embodiments of the projectile as used during game play as well as different kinds of apparel as worn by players and different kinds of game play equipment such as goals and targets.

The underlying game is a sport that is simple to play and understand and may provide great potential for demonstration of human mastery while being fun and exciting to watch. It may be loosely based on similar goal sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball, hockey, etc. The sport may be contested between two teams of an equal number of players both attempting to achieve the same objectives, such as score points or eliminate opposing players from the match or round.

In FIG. 1, a first player 110 may have control of the Acroball™/projectile 120 (hereinafter, referred to as the projectile 120) and other opponents 130 and 131 may be attempting to defend goals/target 140 or avoid being hit by the projectile such that the projectile sticks to the opponent (because of the hook and latch system). Game play may be governed by various rules and objectives as generally described below. In the immediate paragraphs, however, the various embodiments of the projectile 120, apparel 125, and targets 140 are described.

Various embodiments of the projectile 120 are shown in FIGS. 2-9 and may comprise several shapes and sizes, each of which may include hook and latch pattern of material (e.g., hooks that may engage with latches as may be found on opponents' apparel and/or game targets/goals). The first of the embodiments shown is a standard spherical ball shape 200. Here, the projectile 200 may be the size of a typical softball but with typically less weight, one-to-two ounces, for example. Further, the projectile 200 includes a pattern 205 of material disposed thereon that is suited for a hook and latch engagement. The pattern 205 shown in FIG. 2 is a cross pattern, but other patterns not shown are also contemplated. The projectile 200 may also be elastic in that the ball shape may be manipulated. That is, a player may squeeze the projectile 200 such that the ball-shape deforms to fit the contour of the player's grasp. Then, when released the projectile 200 returns to its original static ball shape. Several other embodiments of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 are discussed below.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a polygon-shaped projectile 300. In this embodiment, the projectile 300 may comprises several polygon-shaped pieces 305 of material that are stitched together to form a spherical body. The polygons may be hexagon or pentagon shaped as may be typical with soccer ball or volley balls. Additionally, the contour of the surface may be covered with hook-and-latch material 310 such that the projectile may engage with apparel or targets that are also covered with hook-and-latch material. Further, the projectile 300 of FIG. 3 may not be a smooth sphere as may be typical with a soccer ball. Rather, each polygon-shaped piece 305 may bulge out giving the overall shape of the projectile 300 a series of bumps in a general spherical shape. In this manner, the surface area is increased slightly and different angles present for attaching to apparel and targets. The bulging spaces 305 may be because the interior material of the ball is deformable, but resilient. Thus, a player may grasp and deform the projectile 300, but it will return to original shape when released.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a spider-leg projectile 400. In this embodiment, the projectile 400 comprises a central member 405 with several elongated “leg-like” members 410. The central member 405 may be elastic and deformable and each of the elongated members 410 may be freely movable. Further, each elongated members 410 is covered by hook-and-latch material 415. Thus, during flight, each of the elongated members 410 is free to move about making different opportunity for attaching to apparel and targets.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a looped-leg projectile 500. In this embodiment, the projectile 500 again comprises a central member 505 with several elongated “leg-like” members 510. The central member 505 may be elastic and deformable and each of the elongated members 510 may be freely movable. However, different from the spider-leg projectile 400 of FIG. 4, the elongated members 510 are attached to the central member 505 at both ends of each elongated member 510. Further, each elongated members 510 is covered by hook-and-latch material 515. Thus, during flight, each of the elongated members 510 is free to move about making different opportunity for attaching to apparel and targets.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a disk-like shaped projectile 600. In this embodiment, the projectile 600 includes a central member 605 that is spherical in a symmetric on non-symmetric (oval) manner. Further, the projectile includes a disk member 610 that intersects the central member. As before, the entire projectile is covered with hook-and-latch material 615.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a boomerang-shaped projectile 700. In this embodiment, the projectile 700 resembles a boomerang having two arms 710 that are attached at a central area 705. As before, the entire projectile is covered with hook-and-latch material 715.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a elongated football-shaped projectile 800. In this embodiment, the projectile 800 includes a narrow central member 805 that is attached to an elongated football-like member 810 at one end and flight-fins 806 at the other end. As before, the entire projectile may be covered with hook-and-latch material 815. Alternatively, only the elongated football-like member 810 may be covered with hook-and-latch material 815.

Finally, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the projectile 120 of FIG. 1 that comprises a jellyfish-like shaped projectile 900. In this embodiment, the projectile 900 comprises a central member 905 with several elongated “leg-like” members 910 that extend from the central member 905 in one primary direction. The central member 905 may be elastic and deformable and each of the elongated members 910 may be freely movable. Further, each elongated members 910 is covered by hook-and-latch material 915. Thus, during flight, each of the elongated members 910 is free to move about making different opportunity for attaching to apparel and targets.

Other embodiments of the projectile 120 in the sport are contemplated but not shown or described here. Variations can be made to the projectile 120 as shown in FIGS. 2-9 elasticity and “stickiness” such that the throwablility, aerodynamics, bounciness, and strikeability of the projectile may be varied. During game play, the projectile 120 may attach to a reciprocal hook-and-latch material that may be a target or part of apparel worn by other players. Other equipment, such as targets or game gear, is also described below along with a limited discussion of the game's objectives and rules.

The playing space may include two or more goals on either end of a playing field. Each goal may be defended by one or more goal keepers, such that opposing teams try to score goals by striking the opponents goal or targets with a projectile 120. Because the projectile 120 comprises a hook-and-latch material as does the various goals, targets, and opponents' apparel, there is a likelihood that the projectile 120 will stick to the target when it comes into contact. If the projectile 120 sticks or registers, this may be considered a score.

FIG. 10 shows and embodiment of an article of clothing that may be worn by players when playing. Here, a player may wear game pants 1000 as shown having various locations of hook-and-latch material 1005. Thus, an aspect of the game may include attempting to attach projectiles 120 to opponents' apparel. Further, the game pants may also have areas that do not have hook-and-latch material such that projectiles that hit these areas bounce away and do not attach. In yet other embodiments, such as the game pants 1100 as shown in FIG. 11, the entire surface of the pants may be covered in hook-and-latch material 1105.

The game pants 1000 or 1100 may be made of the felt material that projectiles will stick to or have the afore-mentioned areas of hook-and-latch material attached to them. Such articles of clothing may be important when taking into account the size of the target. Smaller players may have an advantage of having smaller target areas.

In addition to pants as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, additional apparel may include a mitt or glove and generally shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In FIG. 12, an embodiment of apparel includes a mitt 1200 that is covered in hook-and-latch material 1205. The mitt 1200 does not have defined fingers for a player's hand and therefore, a player may only exert a certain level of control over any engaged projectile 120. Similarly, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of apparel includes a glove 1300 that may also covered in hook-and-latch material 1305. The glove 1300 does have defined fingers for a player's hand and therefore, a player may exert a greater level of control over any engaged projectile 1305 as compared to the mitt of FIG. 13.

Other articles of clothing that are contemplated but not shown in any FIG. include shirts, armbands, helmets, and shoes, which may act as additional targets for opposing teams because each of these articles may also include hook-and-latch material is various patterns thereon.

Another variation on the sport may include various players on each team using specific devices or equipment for easily catching a projectile 120 thereby allowing a player to easily transfer projectile 120 to his or her other hand for throwing. Such equipment may include a racket 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 that may be covered in a hook-and-latch material 1405 at a paddle end.

Yet other aspects of the sport may include one or more targets or goals wherein players attempt to attach (by throwing) a projectile 120 at the target or goal and wherein opposing players attempt to defend their own goals and targets. Various targets and goals are shown in FIGS. 15-20.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises a stationary rectangular target 1500. In this embodiment, the target 1500 may have three boards attached to each other in maneuverable manners along one or more sides. In the embodiment shown, a main board 1505 may have two movable side-boards 1515. Further, the main board may have hook-and-latch material 1510 upon one face. Thus, projectiles, when thrown, may stick to the main board 1505, but may bounce away from the side boards 1515.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises a foam-backed target 1600. In this embodiment, the target 1600 comprises two portions that together may provide less rigidity than the stationary rectangular target 1500 of FIG. 15. The two portions here may be a foam-backed member 1610 that may be covered by a hook-and latch material 1605 as the second portion. Alternatively, the second portion 1605 may be a cheaper carpeted material (cheaper than hook-and-latch material) such that projectiles may still engage or otherwise attach to the target 1600.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises a cylindrically-shaped target 1500. In this embodiment, the target portion (e.g., the cylindrical shaped member 1710) may be suspended between two rigid support members 1705. Further, the cylindrical shaped member 1710 may be covered with hook-and-latch material 1715 or other material suited to engage with projectiles as discussed above.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises an electrically-primed target 1800. In this embodiment, the target 1800 may comprise a portion 1805 that not only includes a covering of hook-and-latch material 1810, but also an electronic counting device 1815 that may sense when a projectile engages the target surface. Such an electrically-primed target 1800 that may sense when a projectile simply strikes any surface. Alternatively, the surface may sense the proximity of a projectile over a period of time.

For example, if a projectile is thrown and attaches to the surface, then after a confirmation period, such as three seconds or so, a registered hit may be determined by the counting device 1815. If however, the projectile strikes the target but does not stick for at least three seconds, then no score is counted. Additional embodiments may provide for different scoring for different events, such as, for example, one point for a hit without sticking for at least three seconds and five points for hitting and sticking for over three seconds. Still further, different points may be scored for hits more proximate to the center of the target surface area.

The manner in which proximity of a projectile is sensed may vary from target to target. For example, one manner for detecting a proximate projectile may be electronic or electromagnetic in nature. Thus, a metallic portion of a projection may be sensed by an electromagnetic sensor in the target. Other methods of detection may be chemical or electrochemical. Thus, a projectile having a unique chemical substance (non-toxic and non-caustic) may come into contact with a target with a similar reactive chemical such that a resulting reaction is easily seen or detected.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises a folded or specially-shaped target 1500. In this embodiment, a target member 1905 is covered with a hook-and-latch material 1915. Further, the surface of the target member 1905 contains bulges 1910 (similar to the bulges of the polygonal-shaped projectile of FIG. 3 described above) wherein the surface area of the target member 1905 is made from a folded or specially-shaped material to provide a non-smooth contour. Such a folded arrangement with bulges 1910 may be suited to more effectively ensnare a projectile.

Finally, FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a target that comprises a movable spherical target 2000. In this embodiment, a target member 2010 may be spherical in shape and have hook-and latch material 2015 on the outer surface. Further, the target member 2010 may be suspended between two lines or ropes 2005 in such a way that the target member 2010 may freely move about in vertical, horizontal or lateral directions.

Additional targets and goals are contemplated but not discussed here. The sport may include various rules and guidelines for more competitive game play. The number of players per team may typically range from 1-12, but may include more per team and may also include different numbers of players per team depending on the game scenario. The field or court may typically comprise a playing area of 50′×100′ with boundary lines designating out-of-bounds areas. Two or more goals or targets may be situated at either end of the playing area.

During game play, there may be one or more (in some cases many) projectiles in play at any given time. Additional projectiles may be introduced to the game during game play or may be removed from game play. The game or match may be timed and may comprise 5-10 minute quarters or until all the projectiles are attached goals or body targets/goals.

Various objectives for each team may include scoring goals on the opposing team's goal and/or trying to hit the other team's bodies, (e.g., leg targets, torso targets). Points may be awarded to a team at a rate of one point per scored/hit target that sticks. If the projectile falls off the target (i.e., does not stick), it does not count. Further, a player may be out of the round/quarter if the player is hit in the leg or it can be a negative score. Players may be required to play in zones and may not get too close to the goals or each other so their throws must go across a distance to score. Further, players may only come back into the game after balls are all out of play.

Yet further aspects of the game may include zones where players may only retrieve projectiles and cannot be hit. If hit on one's way into the zone the player may still be out. Scores may only count for the projectiles that stay on the goals. If a projectile falls off it may be put back into play.

When hit in the strike zone, a number of variations may come into consideration. When hit, a player may be out, prevented from throwing any projectile, and prevented from moving. Further, when a player is hit, the other team may score a point or points may be deducted from the player's team. Thus, one game objective is to score as many points as possible during game play (e.g., more points that the opposing team).

A variation on game play may include a “chess” variation wherein a player's game play is governed by their designation. For example, pawns may only retrieve projectiles but can't be hit; queens may travel anywhere and get anyone out; and kings may only protect goals. Other game play variations may include obstacles and variations in player's movement freedoms as the game progresses. Further yet, the game may includes multiple goals that may be smaller in size and harder to hit but not as defendable. Targets may be set in two or more locations or may be movable and every player would have to defend one or more goals and themselves from getting hit.

While the subject matter discussed herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects described in less than all of the embodiments may, nevertheless, be present in any embodiment. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the subject matter to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed. 

1. A gaming system, comprising: at least one projectile having at least one engagable member operable to engage with a receiving area; and at least one apparel having the receiving area.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the engagable member and the receiving area are operable to engage each other by using a hook and latch interface.
 3. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the engagable member and the receiving area are operable to engage each other by using an electromagnetic interface.
 4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the engagable member and the receiving area are operable to engage each other by using a chemical reaction interface.
 5. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the apparel comprises apparel selected from the group including: pants, helmet, sleeve, jacket, arm guard, leg guard, face mask, shoe, glove, belt, and hat.
 6. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising at least one device having a receiving area operable to engage with the at least one projectile.
 7. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein the device comprises a device selected from the group including: a racket, a mitt, a bat, a stick, a club, a target, a goal, and a glove.
 8. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the projectile comprises a projectile selected from the group including: a spherical ball, a polygonic ball, a spider-leg ball, a looped-leg ball, a disk-shaped projectile, a boomerang, an elongated football, and a jellyfish-shaped projectile.
 9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the projectile comprises at least two different engagable members.
 10. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the projectile comprises a core operable to bounce.
 11. A gaming system comprising: two teams of opposing players, each player having at least one worn article having an engagable receiving area operable to engage with a projectile; at least one projectile having at least one engageable member disposed thereon operable to engage with at least one of the receiving areas; and at least one goal having a receiving area operable to engage at least one projectile.
 12. The gaming system of claim 11, further comprising multiple players per team.
 13. The gaming system of claim 11, further comprising two goals, wherein each team defends one goal.
 14. The gaming system of claim 11 further comprising a playing area having dimensions of approximately one hundred feet long and approximately fifty feet wide.
 15. A gaming system, comprising: at least one projectile having at least one engagable member operable to engage with a receiving area; and at least one target having the receiving area.
 16. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the target further comprises: a surface area having the receiving area for engaging the projectile; and an electronic counting device operable to detect a proximate projectile.
 17. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the electronic counting device is operable to determine a length of time in which a proximate projectile is attached to the receiving area.
 18. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the electronic counting device is operable to determine a location in which a proximate projectile is attached to the receiving area.
 19. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the electronic counting device is operable to determine an identifiable kind of proximate projectile that is attached to the receiving area.
 20. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the electronic counting device further comprises a display for displaying a score. 